Motion-activated remote control backlight

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for performing remote control operations is provided. A remote control detects a particular movement, and performs operations based on the detected movement.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority, as a continuation application, toapplication Ser. No. 12/842,904, filed Jul. 23, 2010, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully setforth herein, under 35 U.S.C. §120. The applicant(s) hereby rescind anydisclaimer of claim scope in the parent application(s) or theprosecution history thereof and advise the USPTO that the claims in thisapplication may be broader than any claim in the parent application(s).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to remote controls. Specifically, thepresent invention relates to motion activated features of remotecontrols.

BACKGROUND

Remote controls provide to users a convenient way to control thefunctions of home entertainment equipment, including televisions,receivers, cable equipment, blu-ray players, and digital videorecorders, such as those created by TiVo Inc. of Alviso, Calif. Althoughdevice-specific remote controls are provided with many components, othercomponents provide “universal” remote controls that are capable ofcontrolling more than one device.

Some remote controls have a “backlight” feature. Typically, a backlightprovides a light that shines behind translucent buttons of a remotecontrol in order to make the buttons more visible in the dark. Someremote controls use a dedicated backlight button. The added button addsto visual clutter, resulting in user confusion. In addition, users ofthe remote control must find the backlight button in order to invoke thefeature. One way of accomplishing this is to use glow-in-the-darkmaterials on the backlight button. However, glow-in-the-dark materialsreduce the aesthetic quality of the remote control. Further, thesematerials must be exposed to light to achieve the glow-in-the-darkeffect, and most remote to light.

Some remote controls combine features. For example, the pressing of anybutton, on some remote controls, results in the invocation of thebacklight feature. This allows the user to see subsequent buttons, butstill requires the user to press a first button. However, if the firstbutton a user presses is the wrong button, then an undesirable effectmay occur, thereby interrupting the user's experience. Users may “workaround” this problem by covering the source of the signal emanated bythe remote control, but this requires two-handed operation.

The approaches described in this section are approaches that could bepursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previouslyconceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it shouldnot be assumed that any of the approaches described in this sectionqualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in thissection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example remote control with anembodiment of a motion detection sensor.

FIG. 2 is a high-level block diagram illustrating an embodiment of aremote control on which the invention may be implemented.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a movement that may be detected in anembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram representing a logical decision making processperformed by an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a computer system on which an embodiment may beimplemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however,that the present invention may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shownin block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thepresent invention.

General Overview

In an embodiment, a remote control comprises a processor, motiondetection sensor, and a signal generator. The remote controladditionally has motion detection logic, which is coupled to the motiondetection sensor as well as the processor. The motion detection logic isconfigured to receive movement sensory information from the motiondetection sensor. Based on the movement sensory information, the motiondetection logic detects one or more particular movements that have beenapplied to the motion detection sensor. The motion detection logic isalso configured to disregard movements that do not match theconfiguration. Upon detection of one or more particular movements,control logic is configured to activate a light that is coupled to thecontrol logic, activate the signal generator, or establish a newconfiguration associated with the motion detection logic.

In an embodiment, the motion detection sensor comprises a firststationary sensor member and a second sensor member that is configuredto make contact with the first sensor member upon movement of the motiondetection sensor.

Structural and Functional Overview

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example remote control 105 with anembodiment of a motion detection sensor 110. Motion detection sensor 110is affixed to remote control 105 and comprises two sensor members: astationary outer conductive member 115 and a mobile, movable or flexibleinner conductive member 120. Outer conductive member 115 need not beabsolutely stationary, but is stationary with respect to innerconductive member 120, which should exhibit more movement capability.Inner conductive member 120 moves with respect to outer conductivemember 115 when a force is applied to motion detection sensor 110. Whensufficient force is applied to motion detection sensor 110, innerconductive member 120 moves to come in contact with outer conductivemember 115.

Although outer conductive member 115 is depicted in the diagram as aring, it may take any shape, such as a square, triangle, or half-circle,as long as inner conductive member 120 is capable of coming into contactwith outer conductive member 115 given sufficient force. Likewise, innerconductive member 120 may have a different shape than the shapedepicted. For example, inner conductive member 120 may be reverseconical in shape, having a flexible base that allows movement. The freeend of the inner conductive member 120 has enough weight to cause theinner conductive member 120 to flex along its shaft when force isapplied to motion detector sensor 110.

FIG. 2 is a high-level block diagram illustrating additional aspects ofexample remote control 105. To increase clarity, some features of remotecontrol 105 are not shown. In an embodiment, the remote control device105 generally represents any device with a user interface to receiveuser commands for operating one or more media devices. remote controldevice 105 may include hardware and/or software to perform the functionsdescribed herein. Although FIG. 2 shows specific components of anembodiment, some of these components may not be necessary to perform thefunctions described herein. Furthermore, components not shown may beused to perform functionality described herein.

The remote control device 105 may be communicatively coupled to one ormore media devices through wired and/or wireless segments. The remotecontrol device 105 may communicate wirelessly over one or more of: radiowaves (e.g., wi-fi signal, Bluetooth signal), infra-red waves, over anyother suitable frequency in the electro-magnetic spectrum, over anetwork connection (e.g., intranet, internet, etc.), or through anyother suitable method.

In an embodiment, the remote control device 105 may include Read OnlyMemory (ROM) 250, a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 252, Random AccessMemory (RAM) 254, Infrared Control Unit 260 for generating IR signalsbased on signals received from signal generator 240, a key pad scan 272,a key pad 274, Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) 256, an Infrared (IR) blaster262 for sending IR signals, a Radio Frequency (RF) control 264 forgenerating RF output sent by an RF interface (not shown), and a QWERTYsliding keyboard (not shown). The remote control device 105 mayadditionally include any of: a Wi-Fi radio, touchpad, trackball,accelerometer, camera, light sensor, or proximity sensor. Memory on theremote control device 105 (e.g., ROM 250, RAM 254, or NVM 256) mayinclude control codes and/or key codes for one or more media devices.The memory may include a Run-Length-Limited (RLL) waveform table orother commands which may be in a compressed or uncompressed form.

In an embodiment, the remote control device 105 includes one or moredisplays 270. The displays may be touch screen displays that includefunctionality to receive user input by a user touching the displayscreen.

Motion detection sensor 110 is coupled to motion detection logic 220.Motion detection sensor 110 sends digital and/or analog motion sensoryinformation to motion detection logic 220. Motion detection logic 220 iscapable of distinguishing between movements of the motion detectionsensor based on configurable parameters. For example, motion detectionsensor may send a different signal, depending on which portion of thering is touched by the inner conductive member 120 in response to themovement. Signal strength may also vary depending on the amount of forceapplied during the movement. In addition, a sequence of signals may besent in response to a sequence of movements. Such a sequence might occurwith a “shaking” motion. Motion detection logic 220 decodes each signalas it is detected based on the strength, frequency, and any otherattribute of the signal that is dependent on the sensed movement.

Motion detection logic 220 is communicatively coupled to control logic230. Motion detection logic 220 informs control logic 230 when aconfigured movement is detected. A configured movement may be a movementthat is defined within the remote control as being associated with aparticular function of the remote control. For example, a sensor withinthe remote control may be part of motion detection logic 220, and maydetect that a “shaking” movement has occurred. The “shaking” movementmay be associated with a particular remote control function. Controllogic 230 may cause any remote control functionality to be invoked. Forexample, control logic 230 may look up the detected movement in afunction association table, and cause signal generator 240 to generatean infra-red signal that is mapped to a particular function, therebycontrolling a home entertainment component such as a digital videorecorder. Each movement may be mapped to a different function, which maybe mapped to one or more infra-red signals or other remote controlfeatures, such as a backlight. For example, control logic 230 may causelight 258 to turn on. Movement mappings may be preconfigured by theremote control manufacturer or may be configured by the user of theremote control.

Remote Control Operation

In an embodiment, remote control 105 receives a forceful movement from auser. The movement may be quick shake, a tap against another object or aflick, such as the movement depicted in FIG. 3 where the remote control105 moves from position 300A to position 300B in a deliberate movementapplied by the user.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram depicting the operation of an embodiment. Atstep 410, movement is detected. Movement is detected when a user exertsa force on the remote control, such as tapping the remote controlagainst the user's leg. The force causes inner conductive member 120 tomomentarily come into contact with outer conductive member 115, whichcauses motion detection sensor 110 to send a signal to motion detectionlogic 220.

At step 420, the detected movement is compared to configured parameters,possibly stored in a memory device in the remote control 105. A varietyof parameters may be defined and stored to configure detected movements.Examples of parameters include the amount of time that the sensormembers are in contact with one another, the portion of outer conductivemember 115 that is contacted by inner conductive member 120, the numberof times that the sensor members sequentially make and lose contact withone another, or any combination of these parameters.

For example, when a remote control is tapped against a person's kneewith a significant force, the amount of time that the sensor members arein contact with one another may be greater than if the remote controlwere lightly tapped against a pillow. A time threshold or hysteresis maybe configured to make the motion detection more or less sensitive.

Also, sensor members may be divided into multiple portions, where eachportion causes a unique analog or digital signal to be sent to themotion detection logic 220, enabling the motion detection logic 220 todetermine which portion of the sensor has been activated. If outerconductive member 115 is ring shaped as shown in FIG. 1, but dividedinto distinct portions, each distinct portion of the ring would alertthe motion detection logic where and when contact is made. When theremote control is moved from side to side by the user, the motiondetection logic 220 will receive alternating signals from the motiondetection sensor 110, indicating the back and forth movement of theremote control.

Inner conductive member 120 may also be segmented into multipleportions. For example, multiple wires, insulated from one another, maybe connected to the same flexible support member. Each wire, when incontact with outer conductive member 115, may provide a unique signal tomotion detection logic 220. Such segmentation may allow for detection ofthe angle of movement by motion detection logic 220. For example, asimple segmentation may be achieved by separating the outer conductivemember 115 into four equal segments. These segments may represent up,down, left, and right movements. Each segment may send a differentsignal to motion detection logic 220, allowing motion detection logic220 to determine what movement has occurred based on the signalreceived.

Although reference has been made to a sensor with specific features suchas a ring and a flexible sensor member in an embodiment, many othertypes of sensors may be used. For example, digital sensors and sensorsusing lasers rather than moving parts may be used. In an embodiment, aring laser gyroscope may be used. In such an embodiment, Rotationinduces a small difference between the time it takes light to traverse aring in two different directions. A separation between the frequenciesof the laser beams is introduced, and the resulting interference patternfollows the rotation of the unit in the plane of the ring. A digitalsignal may be sent to motion detection logic 220, and patterns ofmovement may be compared with patterns that are mapped to one or moreremote control functions.

In another embodiment, an accelerometer may be used instead of the ringsensor described herein. An accelerometer is an electromechanical devicethat measures acceleration forces. The constant force of gravity orforces caused by moving the accelerometer may be measured using anaccelerometer. Measuring constant gravitational forces can allow theremote control to sense the angle at which the remote control is tiltedwith respect to the earth. Forces caused by movements allow the remotecontrol to determine whether the remote control is being moved from sideto side, up or down, shaken, or moved in other ways. A digital signalmay be sent from the accelerometer, or a sensor based on anaccelerometer, to motion detection logic 220, and patterns of movementmay be compared with patterns that are mapped to one or more remotecontrol functions.

A threshold may also be configured that describes detected movements,such as the number of times that sensor members have made and lostcontact. For example, the configuration may specify that three shakes ofthe remote control are required to meet the threshold. When a usercauses the sensor members to come into contact with one another and losecontact with one another three times, in sequence, the requirement ismet, and the movement may be considered to be detected. The frequency ofcontacts may also be used as a threshold. For example, the number ofcontacts made within a certain time period may be used to determine theforce of the movement. A minimum force may be required to activate afeature of the remote control to distinguish intentional sensoractivation from accidental or unintentional sensor activation.

Multiple parameters may be stored in memory. For example, motiondetection logic 220 may be configured to detect multiple movements andprovide a unique communication to control logic 230 for each signal. Aside to side movement may trigger one communication while an up and downmovement may provide another. Complex combinations of signals, even frommultiple sensors, may be interpreted by motion detection logic 220.

At step 430, the motion detection logic determines whether the detectedmovement falls within configured parameters. If the movement does notfall within configured parameters, the movement is disregarded in step440.

If the movement falls within configured parameters, the movementinformation is transmitted to control logic 230. Control logic 230performs a remote control operation based on the type of movementdetected. For example, in step 450, control logic 230 activates theremote control backlight. Another example of operations that may beperformed by control logic 230 in response to a configured and detectedmovement includes activating a signal generator 240, such as aninfra-red, or radio frequency (RF) signal generator capable oftransmitting instructions to a home entertainment device, such as adigital video recorder, television, or multimedia computer. In anembodiment, one or more movements of the remote control device maycorrespond to a command for displaying menu choices by a media device(e.g., digital video recorder, receiver, or computing device). Forexample, one or more movements may correspond to a command for shufflingmenu choices displayed on a television or computer screen. The menuchoices may correspond to a choice between multimedia content availablefor playing (e.g., video and/or sound files). In response to detecting amovement, a command is sent to the media device. In response toreceiving the command, the media device performs the requested action.For example, the movement may cause the media device to shuffleavailable choices at random (e.g., new sequence of choices or newchoices altogether). The movement may cause the media device to select anew set of choices based on user information (e.g., user preferences,user history, etc.). The movement may correspond to a command fordisplaying media content that is similar to the media content currentlybeing displayed. For example, if a user shakes the remote control devicewhile watching a particular television program, media device A mayrespond by playing a different television program that is similar to theparticular television program being watched.

More than one operation may be performed by the remote control 105 uponthe detection of a particular movement. For example, shaking the remotecontrol 105 one time my result in the remote control sending a series ofinfra-red signals designed to turn off a television, an audio/visualreceiver, and a digital video recorder. These functions may beconfigured to be performed based on stored state information thatdescribes the state of a particular device. For example, if the remotecontrol 105 has state information about a DVD player that shows that theDVD player is not turned on, then the control logic may avoid sendingthe “off” signal for the DVD player, while still sending the signal forother devices known to be turned on.

In addition, the motion detection sensor 110 may be configured based ona detected movement. For example, in an embodiment, a user may set thesensitivity of the backlight function by shaking the remote control 105ten times, waiting for a flashing light to indicate that the remotecontrol 105 is in “configuration mode,” and then tapping the remoteagainst her thigh to indicate the desired sensitivity of the backlightfunction. In response, the control logic will set the sensitivityconfiguration of the backlight function to match, or be based on, theforce required to tap the remote control 105 against the user's thigh.

The motion detection sensor 110 may also be configured through the useof buttons on the remote control 105. Configuration using buttons may beused exclusively, or in conjunction with movement detection as discussedabove.

In an embodiment, remote control 105 may have multiple motion detectionsensors 110. Each motion detection sensor may be set at a differentsensitivity level, allowing the user to select which sensor to use,thereby selecting the sensitivity desired by the user.

The motion detection sensor 110 may also be replaced or added to one ormore “expansion” ports of the remote control 105 in an embodiment. Forexample, sensors having different properties, detection mechanisms, andsignal generation capabilities may be removed and replaced in the samemanner as batteries, memory cards, or cartridges. Each sensor may becustomized for a particular movement or sensitivity level. These modularsensors may comprise features of motion detection logic 220 and controllogic 230, in order to provide additional, improved, or updatedfunctionality to remote control 105. For example, a new software featureof a digital video recorder may benefit from a particular sensitivityand movement of a sensor 110. In an embodiment, the user simply plugsthe new sensor 110 into the remote control 105.

In addition, the motion detection sensor 110 may be physicallyconfigurable by the user through the use of a dial or other mechanism onthe remote control 105. For example, inner conductive member 120 may beadvanced further into outer conductive member 115 by a dial orcontroller, resulting in the need for additional force to cause contactto occur between the sensor members. For example, if the distancebetween the base of member 120 and outer conductive member 115 isincreased, then member 120 will be required to bend more to contactmember 115. Thus, the motion detection sensor may be configured todisregard movements that are not desired movements through physicalconfiguration of the sensor 110, or through configuration of the motiondetection logic 220 or control logic 230.

Hardware Overview

According to one embodiment, the techniques described herein areimplemented by one or more special-purpose computing devices. Thespecial-purpose computing devices may be hard-wired to perform thetechniques, or may include digital electronic devices such as one ormore application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs) that are persistently programmed toperform the techniques, or may include one or more general purposehardware processors programmed to perform the techniques pursuant toprogram instructions in firmware, memory, other storage, or acombination. Such special-purpose computing devices may also combinecustom hard-wired logic, ASICs, or FPGAs with custom programming toaccomplish the techniques. The special-purpose computing devices may bedesktop computer systems, portable computer systems, handheld devices,networking devices or any other device that incorporates hard-wiredand/or program logic to implement the techniques.

For example, FIG. 5 is a block diagram that illustrates a computersystem 500 upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented.Computer system 500 includes a bus 502 or other communication mechanismfor communicating information, and a hardware processor 504 coupled withbus 502 for processing information. Hardware processor 504 may be, forexample, a general purpose microprocessor.

Computer system 500 also includes a main memory 506, such as a randomaccess memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus 502for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor504. Main memory 506 also may be used for storing temporary variables orother intermediate information during execution of instructions to beexecuted by processor 504. Such instructions, when stored in storagemedia accessible to processor 504, render computer system 500 into aspecial-purpose machine that is customized to perform the operationsspecified in the instructions.

Computer system 500 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 508 orother static storage device coupled to bus 502 for storing staticinformation and instructions for processor 504. A storage device 510,such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to bus502 for storing information and instructions.

Computer system 500 may be coupled via bus 502 to a display 512, such asa cathode ray tube (CRT), for displaying information to a computer user.An input device 514, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupledto bus 502 for communicating information and command selections toprocessor 504. Another type of user input device is cursor control 516,such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicatingdirection information and command selections to processor 504 and forcontrolling cursor movement on display 512. This input device typicallyhas two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and asecond axis (e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in aplane.

Computer system 500 may implement the techniques described herein usingcustomized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware and/orprogram logic which in combination with the computer system causes orprograms computer system 500 to be a special-purpose machine. Accordingto one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed by computersystem 500 in response to processor 504 executing one or more sequencesof one or more instructions contained in main memory 506. Suchinstructions may be read into main memory 506 from another storagemedium, such as storage device 510. Execution of the sequences ofinstructions contained in main memory 506 causes processor 504 toperform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments,hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination withsoftware instructions.

The term “storage media” as used herein refers to any media that storedata and/or instructions that cause a machine to operation in a specificfashion. Such storage media may comprise non-volatile media and/orvolatile media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical ormagnetic disks, such as storage device 510. Volatile media includesdynamic memory, such as main memory 506. Common forms of storage mediainclude, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, solidstate drive, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic data storage medium, aCD-ROM, any other optical data storage medium, any physical medium withpatterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, NVRAM, anyother memory chip or cartridge.

Storage media is distinct from but may be used in conjunction withtransmission media. Transmission media participates in transferringinformation between storage media. For example, transmission mediaincludes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including thewires that comprise bus 502. Transmission media can also take the formof acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-waveand infra-red data communications.

Various forms of media may be involved in carrying one or more sequencesof one or more instructions to processor 504 for execution. For example,the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk or solidstate drive of a remote computer. The remote computer can load theinstructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over atelephone line using a modem. A modem local to computer system 500 canreceive the data on the telephone line and use an infra-red transmitterto convert the data to an infra-red signal. An infra-red detector canreceive the data carried in the infra-red signal and appropriatecircuitry can place the data on bus 502. Bus 502 carries the data tomain memory 506, from which processor 504 retrieves and executes theinstructions. The instructions received by main memory 506 mayoptionally be stored on storage device 510 either before or afterexecution by processor 504.

Computer system 500 also includes a communication interface 518 coupledto bus 502. Communication interface 518 provides a two-way datacommunication coupling to a network link 520 that is connected to alocal network 522. For example, communication interface 518 may be anintegrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellitemodem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to acorresponding type of telephone line. As another example, communicationinterface 518 may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a datacommunication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also beimplemented. In any such implementation, communication interface 518sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals thatcarry digital data streams representing various types of information.

Network link 520 typically provides data communication through one ormore networks to other data devices. For example, network link 520 mayprovide a connection through local network 522 to a host computer 524 orto data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 526.ISP 526 in turn provides data communication services through the worldwide packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the“Internet” 528. Local network 522 and Internet 528 both use electrical,electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. Thesignals through the various networks and the signals on network link 520and through communication interface 518, which carry the digital data toand from computer system 500, are example forms of transmission media.

Computer system 500 can send messages and receive data, includingprogram code, through the network(s), network link 520 and communicationinterface 518. In the Internet example, a server 530 might transmit arequested code for an application program through Internet 528, ISP 526,local network 522 and communication interface 518.

The received code may be executed by processor 504 as it is received,and/or stored in storage device 510, or other non-volatile storage forlater execution.

In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have beendescribed with reference to numerous specific details that may vary fromimplementation to implementation. Thus, the sole and exclusive indicatorof what is the invention, and is intended by the applicants to be theinvention, is the set of claims that issue from this application, in thespecific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequentcorrection. Any definitions expressly set forth herein for termscontained in such claims shall govern the meaning of such terms as usedin the claims. Hence, no limitation, element, property, feature,advantage or attribute that is not expressly recited in a claim shouldlimit the scope of such claim in any way. The specification and drawingsare, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than arestrictive sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A remote control, comprising: a signal generator;a plurality of motion detection sensors; a motion detection logiccoupled to a processor and the plurality of motion detection sensors,configured to receive movement sensory information from any of theplurality of motion detection sensors, and detect, based at least inpart on movement sensory information, one or more particular movementsthat have been applied to any of the plurality of motion detectionsensors; a control logic coupled to the motion detection logic,configured to perform, upon detection of the one or more particularmovements, at least one of: activate a light that is electricallycoupled to the control logic; activate the signal generator; orestablish a new configuration associated with the motion detectionlogic; a first motion detection sensor of the plurality of motiondetection sensors comprising: a stationary sensor member; and a flexiblesensor member, such that a base portion of the flexible sensor member iswithin a particular distance to the stationary sensor member and thatthe flexible sensor member is configured to make contact with thestationary sensor member upon movement of the first motion detectionsensor.
 2. The remote control of claim 1, wherein a second motiondetection sensor of the plurality of motion detection sensors is a sametype of sensor as the first motion detection sensor.
 3. The remotecontrol of claim 2, wherein the first motion detection sensor and thesecond motion detection sensor, of the plurality of motion detectionsensors, are set at different sensitivity levels.
 4. The remote controlof claim 1, wherein a second motion detection sensor, of the pluralityof motion detection sensors, is another type of motion detection sensorthan the first motion detection sensor.
 5. The remote control of claim4, wherein the first motion detection sensor and the second motiondetection sensor, of the plurality of motion detection sensors, are setat different sensitivity levels.
 6. The remote control of claim 1comprising: a mechanism, wherein movement of the mechanism causes theparticular distance between the stationary sensor member and the baseportion, of the flexible sensor member, to increase or decrease.
 7. Theremote control of claim 6 wherein the mechanism is a dial.
 8. The remotecontrol of claim 1 comprising: one or more motion sensors, of theplurality of motion detection sensors, comprise a mechanism; whereinmovement of the mechanism in a sensor adjusts sensitivity of the sensor.9. The remote control of claim 8 wherein the mechanism is a dial.
 10. Aremote control, comprising: a signal generator; a motion detectionsensor, the motion detection sensor comprises: a stationary sensormember; and a flexible sensor member, such that a base portion of theflexible sensor member is within a particular distance to the stationarysensor member and that the flexible sensor member is configured to makecontact with the stationary sensor member upon movement of the motiondetection sensor; a mechanism to adjust the particular distance betweenthe stationary sensor member and the base portion of the flexiblesensor, such that the sensitivity of the motion detection sensorincreases or decreases; a motion detection logic coupled to a processorand the motion detection sensor, configured to receive movement sensoryinformation from the motion detection sensor, and detect, based at leastin part on movement sensory information, one or more particularmovements that have been applied to the motion detection sensor; acontrol logic coupled to the motion detection logic, configured toperform, upon detection of the one or more particular movements, atleast one of: activate a light that is electrically coupled to thecontrol logic; activate the signal generator; or establish a newconfiguration associated with the motion detection logic.
 11. The remotecontrol of claim 10, wherein the mechanism is a dial.